Emergency efforts are underway in Knoxville following reports of a swimmer who disappeared in the local Augusta Quarry. As disclosed by WBIR, Knoxville Fire Department crews were dispatched late Saturday to the quarry in Fort Dickerson Park, upon a 911 call at around 9 p.m. The call claimed an adult male swimmer had submerged without a subsequent resurface, prompting a search now involving multiple rescue squads.
Despite the ongoing operations, which have expanded to include Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Blount County Rescue Squad, no sign of the missing man has been found as of the latest updates. Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks indicated in a news release, "the public is reminded that entering closed public spaces is both illegal and dangerous," when referring to the currently shuttered Augusta Quarry, which is not due for reopening until the end of the month. This detail comes from a WVLT report.
The quarry's closure is a result of ongoing renovations, which has been made clear in the public notices that entering the area is not only illegal but also laden with risks due to unpredictable water conditions and underwater terrains. The Knoxville Police Department has also joined the investigation into the incident, as per the information provided by WATE. The collaborative search effort has been described as "exhaustive," with rescue teams exploring the difficult terrain of the quarry in hopes of locating the missing individual.
Officials have yet to release further details about the identity of the missing swimmer, as the investigation continues. Concerned authorities have reiterated the need for public adherence to safety notices, especially when it comes to closed sites like Augusta Quarry – a sentiment echoed across all reporting outlets. As the search persists, local communities are reminded again of the inherent dangers of closed public spaces, and the quarry's waters remain an unsolved mystery in the heart of Knoxville's Fort Dickerson Park.
